We have talked in recent weeks about the presidential elections that happened here in Ecuador. We thought we would give you an update of what we know, possibilities of what the future might look like and what that may look like for the project in Cayambe.
There has been some instability leading up to these elections. In May, the National Assembly was dissolved after current president Lasso invoked the “muerte cruzada” which, to our understanding dissolves the legislative and executive branches to call for elections. Lasso, who could have run for another term said he would not run, but call for elections to happen. Leading up to the election in August, there were multiple attacks on presidential candidates, including the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, which made international news.
The elections took place on August 20th, with an 82.2% voting participation that exceeded elections over the last 2 decades. Two candidates came out of this vote, although neither received over 50% of the vote. So, on October 15th, the country will vote again on these two candidates in hopes of voting in their next president. The hope with this is more financial and political stability will follow as well as less violence and narcotic trafficking. Please pray with us as the October date is fast approaching. Pray for safety and security surrounding these elections.
One way this has affected the project in Cayambe is through government funds we receive. The funding we receive annually for the community-based projects we carry out through the project are currently on hold. With the instability described above, we have no idea of knowing when those funds will come. We SO appreciate your support in our recent URGENT request for kids’ school supplies and uniforms for the children in the Home for At Risk Children. The unexpected nature of not knowing the full picture of how this will affect the project is hard. But we know that God has always provided in the past and will continue to do so through the generosity of supporters like you!EcuadE
The Santiago Partnership